November 18, 2005

Clarion Technologies to Invest $1.3 Million

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced a $600,000 grant to Montcalm County to train workers at Clarion Technologies in Greenville. The project is expected to retain 200 jobs and lead to more than $1.3 million in new private investment. Clarion has certified that without the grant, it could not continue operations in Greenville.      

 “I’m thankful that we could step in and save these important manufacturing jobs,” Granholm said. “Clarion’s employees will now have the skills they need to be competitive today and tomorrow.”

The grant is being made available by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation with funds provided by the federal Community Development Block Grant program.

“With the economic challenges that Greenville has faced recently, Clarion Technologies’ new investment represents great news for the community,” MEDC President and CEO James Epolito said.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation administers the state’s Community Development Block Grant funds received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. These funds are used to provide grants and loans to eligible counties, cities, villages and townships—typically those with populations less than 50,000—for economic development, community development and housing projects. Larger communities receive block grant funds directly from the federal government. 
 
The MEDC is able to award approximately $40 million in federal CDBG funds each year. There are 1,655 local governments within the state eligible to apply for these funds. Projects are approved contingent upon compliance with state and federal requirements.

“The board of commissioners is pleased to be a partner with the MEDC and the city in this endeavor,” County Administrator John Berchtold said. “Helping Clarion is certainly part of an overall economic development strategy to retain jobs in the county.”

Clarion Technologies manufactures plastic shelves, trays and containers for refrigerators and freezers.

In her 2005 State of the State address, Granholm emphasized the importance of making Michigan a global economic powerhouse in the 21st century. Since January 2005 the Governor and the MEDC announced the creation or retention of more than 64,000 jobs as a result of targeted assistance provided by the MEDC.
 
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation, a partnership between the state and local communities, promotes smart economic growth by developing strategies and providing services to create and retain good jobs and a high quality of life. For more information on MEDC initiatives and programs, visit the Web site at www.michigan.org.